Joan Trimble Bursary Awards support ten local students

Grants have been awarded to 10 local students by the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards, supporting the young people to cover costs including course fees and residential fees as they progress in their musical development. The awards were handed over by Nicholas Gant, Joan Trimble’s son.

Established by her family and administered by the Fermanagh Trust, the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards were set up in memory of the Enniskillen born musician and composer. The Awards recognise Joan’s lifelong commitment to County Fermanagh and their purpose is to encourage the involvement of young people in creativity, the performing arts and Irish culture.

Chloe Eagleson is being supported as she works towards her diploma in cornet ahead of starting her studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. St Michael’s College student Jason McAuley will use his bursary to attend the Irish Youth Brass Ensemble and Dublin Brass Week. These courses will enable Jason develop his skills and receive feedback from renowned tutors ahead of hopefully studying music at University.

Western Region Senior Youth Orchestra members Katie Bloomfield, Timothy Boomer, Rebecca Irwin, Rachael Fyffe, Rebecca Egerton, Lucy Mills, and Patrick McCrystal will use their grants to take part in the Orchestra’s planned tour to Belgium this summer. As well as a number of lessons part of the trip includes giving 3 concerts in the cities of Bruges, Brussels and Ghent. The group are excited to have the chance to demonstrate their musical talent and passion to young people living in the region.

Patrick McCrystal is also being supported to take part in a residential with the Ulster Youth Orchestra which will include concerts in the Guildhall, Derry and the Ulster Hall, Belfast. Megan Ryan, first year music student at University of Ulster will use her bursary to attend the Ulster Youth Choir’s annual residential course. Based in Belfast this summer, Megan will receive support towards participation in choir rehearsals and attending evening Master classes.

Liz McVey, granddaughter of the late Joan Trimble said “We are delighted to award bursaries to these ten gifted individuals. The range of activities supported including a number of courses and workshops shows the talent, passion and commitment that that these young people have. That is what the Joan Trimble Awards are all about – encouraging wider opportunity and access to the arts. No doubt they will gain inspiration and valuable experience as they progress with their studies and we wish them every success for the future.”

For more information on the Joan Trimble Bursary Awards CLICK HERE . Applications are considered three times per year, with the following deadlines:1st November,1st March and 1st May. Areas of support for individuals up to and including 25 years of age include: specialist education training sessions and courses; international cultural programmes; participation in master classes and summer schools.